I disagree on both simplicity and beauty. All the "The"s and "And"s detract. "has been darkened" If heaven lies, then the poem should say why or how. Granted it implies some things, but is vague and scattered. Soem good thoughts, just needs organization.

Sure, it doesn't obey the *conventional* rules of a sonnet, but why shouldn't I experiment with new forms of sonnet? I don't even acknowledge the conventional meaning of the word "conventional." That is how non-conformist I am.

If the only thing that matters to you is doing a good job, why did you have to bring disgrace on your self, on your institution, and on Poemeranker, by pretending to be a Professor of Psychology, when in actual fact you were only an Instructor of Psychology. Instructor? Rubbish! When you retire, are you going to become a full-time playwright?

Dear Dark Angel: No, I do not resent the fact that the younger, less experienced Instructors have the same academic rank as myself, because the only thing that matters to me is that of doing a good job of teaching in the classroom. And the fact is that there are very good teachers at all ages........ Some of the younger ones may well need more experience in order to be at their best, while, at the same time, there are older teachers who have lost either their desire or ability to teach well in the classroom.....and it would be better for all if they chose to retire. However, in my own case, I feel that I am still doing a pretty good job of teaching, but I do plan to retire two years from last May. The best to you. Doug

Pleasure.

Wow. Thank you.

Ha Ha, and this from a woman who defines herself as some guy's lady. Paaaa-leeeeese!

Do you resent the fact that younger, less experienced Instructors have the same rank as you?

No, just don't think I've ever heard anyone actually say the word lad.

Thanks.

...and, in this case, diet dr pepper.

Thanks for your comments. I put the 'as's in the last two lines to show comparison rather than cause and effect, either way could work though. The first line switch might work, hmmmm.